30 Year Tree Canopy Goal

The Board of Supervisors formally adopted a 30-year tree canopy
goal based on recommendations in the Tree Action Plan, funded by the
Environmental Improvement
Program.. The goal is to increase Fairfax County's tree cover
to 45 percent by the year 2037.

The county is doing what it can to plant trees to improve our
environment by planting trees at county facilities, but planting space is
limited on county-owned properties. There are only 4,200 acres available
for tree planting on county-owned properties and commonly-owned open
spaces. Therefore, the majority of tree planting required to meet the
30-year tree canopy goal will have to occur on privately-owned
residential lots!

The Facts

40 percent of Faifax County is presently covered by the canopies
of trees.

If tree planting efforts are not increased, by 2037, we could lose
approximately 4 percent of our tree canopy cover.

The loss of enviromental services that will result if our tree cover
continues to decline will be significant!

Residential lots have the most space for planting new trees in Fairfax
County.

Commonly-owned open spaces have some space for
planting trees.

Who Can Help Fairfax County Reach the Tree Canopy Goal?

Residential property owners.

Non-profit tree planting groups: Three groups have been funded by the
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to help in this
effort (Fairfax ReLeaf, Earth Sangha and the Center for Chesapeake
Communities).

If every resident in Fairfax County plants two trees for every
member of their household over the next 30 years, we will exceed our
tree canopy goal!

How is Fairfax County Helping Reach the Tree Canopy Goal?

You may have noticed that trees are being planted throughout the
county. The Urban Forestry Division has helped plant trees in
various Fairfax County property. These trees are planted to help
contribute to the 30 Year Tree Canopy Goal. So far hundreds of trees have
been planted across the county.

In 2007, 214 trees were planted on 17 sites

In 2008, 123 trees were planted on 10 sites

For more information about planting trees or the 30-year tree canopy
goal, contact the Urban Forest Management Division at 703-324-1770,
TTY 711, or by e-mail.